How to Apply Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

Co-authored by Madeleine Johnson and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: July 17, 2022 References

Want full, long hair without the hassle of the salon? Try pre-bonded hair extensions—since glue is already attached, they're a snap to apply, even if you don't have experience with extensions. To make the experience more fun, ask a friend to help out. If you're still a little unsure about how to attach them to your hair, just read on for answers to some of the most common concerns.

Question 1 of 7:

How many extensions do I need?

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To add thickness to thin hair, you need 50 to 100 extensions. If your hair is naturally thin, you'll probably need to put in at least 50 extensions or up to 100 for thick, long hair. Plan on attaching 1 row across the back of your head directly in the middle. Apply another row about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below it. Then, put 2 short rows of extensions on the sides of your head near your temples to give you a natural look.^{[1]
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Use 125 to 175 pieces if you're adding length to thick hair. Thick hair needs more extensions so there aren't noticeable gaps in length. Aim for applying 4 to 6 rows of extensions on the back of your head and 3 to 4 rows on the sides of your head. If your hair is really thick, you'll need to apply more rows near the top of your head than if your hair is medium or thin.^{[2]
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Get 150 to 250 pieces if you're adding extensions to short hair. Short hair takes a lot of extensions! If your hair is thin, plan on using 150 to 175 pieces. For medium-thick hair, use 200 to 225, or for thick hair, get at least 250 pieces. This gives you enough pieces to attach 8 to 10 rows on the back of your head and 6 to 8 rows on the sides.^{[3]
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- This might seem like a lot of pieces, but it's better to have extra than to run out while you're doing your hair.

Question 2 of 7:

How many rows of hair extensions do I need?

You need 2 or 3 rows in the back and 2 on the sides. Comb a horizontal line across the middle of the back of your head. Clip up the hair that's above this line so it's not in your way. Then, divide the bottom section into 2 or 3 even rows. Divide the hair on the sides of your head into 2 horizontal sections, as well. Keep those sections separated and clipped out of the way.^{[4]
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- If you're applying extensions to short hair, plan for making 6 to 8 rows on each side of your head. Remember to keep them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.

Question 3 of 7:

How should I attach the extensions to my hair?

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Gather a section of hair and pop the shield onto it near the scalp. Start working on the left end of the bottom row about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) from the edge. Take a small section of hair that's the same width as the extension—usually around ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm)—and push the circular shield that came with the extensions onto the hair. Keep the shield ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) from the scalp.^{[5]
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- Most pre-bonded extensions come with a round heat-protective shield, but if your package didn't, just pick up a generic hair extension shield at your local beauty supply store.
- The shield protects your surrounding hair from the glue. To keep it in place, you can clip the shield onto the hair that's closest to your scalp.
- It will take time to apply the extensions since you have to do 1 small segment at a time. Fortunately, you'll get faster as you go.
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Place the extension bond onto the hair and pinch the heat tool on it for 3 seconds. The bond is the hard, nail-shaped end of the extension. Press it up against the small section of your own hair that's hanging out of the shield. Then, pinch the bond with your hair using the heat tool that's designed for your hair extensions. Hold it in place for 3 seconds so the glue melts.^{[6]
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- You'll probably see the adhesive smear or spread a little as it melts—this is totally okay! You'll be shaping and securing the extension next.
3
Roll the fused extension with your hair and remove the shield. Set aside the heat tool and work fast! Pinch the melted part of the extension and your hair with your thumb and forefinger. Squeeze and roll it so the adhesive fuses with your hair and the extension stays in place.^{[7]
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- Roll the bond and hair for about 5 seconds to get a solid hold.
4
Apply each extension ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) apart along each row. Gather another segment of hair ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) away from the extension you just applied and pop it through the hair shield. Press and roll another extension in place, then keep applying extensions along the row. Apply your last extension ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) from the end of the row.^{[8]
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- Once you attach the extensions to the bottom row, let down the next row of hair and add more. Finish with the rows on the side of your head.

Question 4 of 7:

Can I wash and condition my extensions?

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Wash your hair gently and don't condition the bonds. Wait a full day before you shampoo or condition your hair. Be really gentle when you wash so you don't pull on the bonds or get them oily. Instead of flipping your hair over and washing it in the sink, wash your hair in the shower. When you condition, keep the product 3 inches (7.6 cm) away from your scalp so it doesn't get close to your bonds.^{[9]
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Blot your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing. If you're like most people, it's probably your habit to grab a towel and start rubbing your hair dry, but this can really damage your extensions. To treat them gently, wrap your hair with a towel so it absorbs the water. Then, blow-dry your hair on a low-heat setting.^{[10]
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Question 5 of 7:

How often should I brush my extensions?

Brush your extensions 2 or 3 times a day. It's really important to keep your extensions from tangling together, but you still need to be gentle with them. Run a boar and nylon bristle brush or a loop brush through your hair at least twice a day. Start brushing from the ends towards the bond, but skip your scalp or you could tug the bonds.^{[11]
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- Pop on a cap or braid your hair before you go to bed so your hair doesn't get tangled while you sleep.

Question 6 of 7:

How long will the extensions last in my hair?

Pre-bonded hair extensions can last up to 4 months! If you've applied the extensions correctly and you practice daily maintenance, the extensions should look great for up to 4 months.^{[12]
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Question 7 of 7:

How do I get pre-bonded hair extensions out?

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Squirt 3 or 4 drops of removal product onto the bond. Buy extension removal liquid or solvent that works with your hair extensions. Then, squeeze 3 or 4 drops of the product onto the bond that's near your scalp. It works to break down the adhesive so you can get the extension out easily.^{[13]
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Pinch the bond with flat pliers to break up the bond. Pinch the bond about 5 times to help the solution work into the adhesive. This also helps to crumble the adhesive so it's easier to get the extension out.^{[15]
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Pull out the extension and wash your hair. You might be able to tug on the extension and get it to come out right away or you may need to use a fine-toothed comb to pull it out. Once you get all of the extensions out of your hair, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.^{[16]
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